Recorded Conversations & Real-world Connections.

Monday Mutiny | February 10th, 2025: Happy Monday. Below are five things that challenged, motivated, or entertained me this past week—hopefully they will do the same for you.

(1) Well, I finally did it: No, I didn’t watch the Super Bowl—I recorded an audiobook for my book Speech Therapy.

I don’t know why it took me so long, seeing as how the book itself is meant to be conversational, but the two days that I spent last week reading each chapter in studio were genuinely enjoyable.

In fact, it was probably one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. And, the ease of the recording is how I know it was recorded correctly; it felt informal—like a conversation between two friends at a bar—which is exactly how I want the book to feel. The title itself is a nod to the conversational tone and approachability that I was striving to deliver with each and every topic and chapter. I want anyone who picks up the book to feel as though we’re talking to each other across the dinner table, long after the dishes have been cleared and the final drinks have been served. Every section of the book offers the “pep talk” that I would give to a friend, my own son, or a complete stranger if I were asked for my advice on the particular situation that each chapter covers. And, I hope you feel like I’m talking directly to you as you listen.

You can pre-save or pre-order the audiobook now on Spotify, Audible, or Apple Books—please do so on whatever platform(s) you use because the pre-release numbers are counted and used to promote the book moving forward. If you prefer a physical hardcover, you can pick one up here from a variety of retailers.

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(2) While recording the audiobook, I had some good in-between conversations with the sound engineer who also happened to be the owner of the studio.

Originally from New Zealand, he came to L.A. about twenty years ago to pursue a career as a musician, and the story of how hard he worked to get to where he is now is inspiring as hell. I won’t share too much because it’s not my story to tell—it’s his (and I encouraged him to tell it)—but this dude went so far as to dumpster-dive for dinner just to save money so he could put everything he had into building out his own recording space. He lived the literal definition of sacrificing to make a dream a reality.

Unfortunately, even after all this, the remnant economic impacts of 2020 have left him unable to maintain a life and a business in California. “It’s just never been the same,” he told me. So, he recently moved to Texas—but flew back into town to oversee the recording of my audiobook (and I’m so grateful he did because I feel like I needed to meet him and hear his story). We connected on so many levels—fatherhood, life, work, the creative process, and, of course, Texas. I’m absolutely planning to call him up the next time I find myself in Austin.

I love hearing stories of people overcoming—and, even more so, I love meeting people who have overcome—adversity and are continuing to do whatever’s necessary to keep going, growing, and evolving.

After all, a life without struggle is not much of a life—it’s a fairytale—and fairytales invent characters rather than requiring you to develop character of your own.

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(3) Now, I’m sharing this next bit of information with you because—if you’re like me—you fucking love oysters (but, given the price of damn near everything these days, they seem like an overpriced delicacy unless you happen to catch them on a Happy Hour menu at a seaside restaurant).

Last week, I learned that Whole Foods will shuck and ice oysters for $1/each on Fridays.

So, I went to Whole Foods on Friday for two dozen oysters and my go-to grocery list. Only, I made a fatal first-timer mistake: I waited until the end of my shopping to order my salt-water appetizer. Do yourself a favor and order your oysters from the seafood counter when you first arrive because it can take up to thirty minutes to prep them, allowing you to do your regular shopping while you wait—grab some horseradish, some Tabasco, and some lemon wedges from the bar (if the location has one)—then, pick up your oysters, head to the cafe, and slurp away like a member of the royal family among a sea of salad-eaters.

P.S. For couples, I’m pretty sure grocery shopping can be considered a proper “date” if—and only if—you get oysters. Otherwise, you’re just running errands together.

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(4) This quote came across my Instagram feed and I took a screenshot of it almost immediately because—in my own experience—this couldn’t be more true. I strive to live a life that is just as risky as it is beautiful; I believe the purest memories lie in the space between the two.

“The best people possess a feeling for beauty, the courage to take risks, the discipline to tell the truth, the capacity for sacrifice. Ironically, their virtues make them vulnerable; they are often wounded, sometimes destroyed.” —Ernest Hemingway

(5) I’ve decided to open myself up to podcast appearances again. It’s been more than a year since I’ve had a recorded conversation with anyone—I’ve simply had too much of my own shit to process and make peace with before believing I’m in a place to offer anything to others. So, with that said, if you have any shows (or hosts) that you think would be a good fit, let me know, and I’ll try to make it happen.

Thanks for reading.

As always, your attention and your support are truly appreciated.

-Kyle, aka “The Capt.”